Scott Dunlap's blog of trail running, ultrarunning, triathlon, and other life adventures. I enjoy the physical, emotional, and spiritual journey of outdoor events and the chance to meet cool people. This blog contains interviews, research, original fiction, new product ideas, and all things trail running.

9 comments:

Everyone looks so happy and the scenery looks great too! I love the pic of the father and son and how similar the body movement is! BTW you don't know me I just came across your blog when looking for other runners

Thanks for taking the time to give us all a taste of this event. Really makes one want to do an ultra.....not sure if I will, but, in case it happens, would you consider Woodside (your turf) and Skyline-to-the-Sea (Wendell said that around 60 people did their first ultra there this year) two of the "easier on the body" 50k courses on the PCTR schedule? Thanks--hope you don't mind me asking your advice on this, but you seemed like the obvious person having done all of their courses.Ann

You can't go wrong with any of the PCTR 50k runs. They all have some hills, so I wouldn't say they are "easy". But you picked two of the three I usually recommend for first-time 50k runners. Skyline to the Sea is my first pick, not just because it's a net downhill, but because it's a wonderful course. Woodside or Sequoia would be my second choice, since the hills aren't too steep and there is a lot of shade. Big Basin is also a good one, although there are some steep sections on that course too.

The steep PCTR races are Diablo, Pacifica, and their races in the headlands like Muir Beach and Rodeo Beach. They have some steep (and in some cases steep and long) climbs that are usually best as a subsequent attempt at 50k.

Good luck, and congratulations on getting through the hard part - choosing to sign up!

I paced my brother Danny from mile 75, but while I was waiting at Mt Rose I saw quite a few runners DNF because they were beaten by the heat and altitude. It was sad to see these guys sitting there thinking about the decision to quit. I've been there before and it is a really tough decision. On the other hand I also saw many guys come in relatively strong and turn right back out to finish the last 25 miles. All the volunteers were awesome!

Scott,Thanks for sharing your course knowledge for 50k PCTR choices. I have done this year's Pirates Cove 30k (overlaps with Rodeo B), Redwood Park 30k (overlaps with Sequoia), and Big Basin 25k (did better than most with hydration but still nearly died in the heat that day!). Your comments make me more comfortable with looking more seriously at doing one of your mentioned 3 in the future. Will keep you posted. Thanks again, Ann

About Me

I'm a technology entrepreneur who took up trail running and triathloning back in 2001 to get off the work treadmill and see a bit more of the outdoors. I also love to eat, so the exercise helps me justify those extra helpings. ;oP I'm always interested in learning more about trail running - please comment and link away!

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